Have you attended a BPC Peer Review this year?  If not you may not be aware of the changes.  The format has evolved in response to feedback at the end of 2016 and now takes the form of round-table, small group discussion where everyone  has the opportunity to voice their thoughts in a non-threatening environment.

We’ve discussed features to look for in an image, placing Impact, Emotion, Story-telling and use of Light ahead of the technical aspects (Composition, Focus, Exposure etc.).  We still offer the opportunity for members to ask for feedback on specific aspects of their image and to compare images eg. “Is this image better in colour or mono?”, “Which works better, the low angle or the high angle?”

I asked this week which people preferred out of this “straight out of camera” shot and a different image taken on the same night which has been edited.  It was interesting to hear the outcome!

Under the Milky Way – Straight out of Camera

Under the Milky way II – Different image, edited

We’ve also dedicated Peer Review nights to either Prints OR Projected Images to ensure that everyone gets to have at least one or two of their images viewed.  The next Peer Review night on August 3rd will be Prints Only and everyone is encouraged to bring along at least one print, more if you have them, to share with other club members.  The discussion over images has been very animated, thoughtful and has provided useful feedback to those who have shared while inspiring others to have a go at different ideas and techniques presented.

As an added point of interest we’ve introduced a brief presentation at the start of the night where a specific technique may be discussed or famous photographer presented.  This time Chris gave us an insight into the work of Trent Parke, challenging us to change our perception of photography and art. You can see the presentation in El Presidente’s Musings.

So if you haven’t been to a Peer Review for a while come and check out the new format and take advantage of the chance to share your images and receive genuine, constructive feedback.  🙂

Bwindi Mountains – James Allan

The set subject proved very popular this month, with only two Colour prints entered in the Open section and 24 in Landscape/Seascape and twice as many Set Subject entries as Open in Projected Images.  There were some very atmospheric images like James Allan’s Bwindi Mountains and Chris Schultz’s Dusty Sunset.

Dusty Sunset – Chris Schultz

Sam Savage showed us why New Zealand is called the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Long White Cloud – Sam Savage

And Anthony Kernich avoided cliches with a beautiful panorama of the Three Sisters in the rain.

Three Sisters – Anthony Kernich

We welcomed Alberto Giurelli back as our judge (thanks for stepping in at the last minute  Alberto!)  He entertained us with his stories as he considered each image and tried to see the photographer ‘s intention and view the images with an artistic eye.

It was fantastic to see new member and first-time competitor Bron Williams among the top scores with two of her images.

Cape Leveque – Bron Williams

We didn’t get a triptych but James came up with a quadtych of the Maasai Mara with images taken from a hot air balloon – rather a different take on the landscape theme.

Maasai Mara – James Allan

For more top images visit Top Prints and Top Projected Digital Images

The May Newsletter has been published.

This edition is packed with “how to do” tips, for star photography, workflow, photographing flying birds, light painting and Seascapes.  In the last month we had a brief presentation on art photography.  The quotes from the presentation can all be found here.  There is also an article on the Australian art photographer Bill Hensen.  Have you been to zed ward?  This edition has a description of the Victorian era criminal assylum.  Lastly Ray has another fascinating camera that he explores.  It’s all in Camera clips.  Check it out now.

James

I don’t normally post here – it all goes into El Presidente’s Musings where it can be lost for all excluding the hardiest site readers.

But on this occasion I’ll make an exception and point you to the latest musing where I lose my cool a little.

Make of it what you will

Chris

Members embraced the Set Subject and challenged themselves to try something new with some brilliant results in our Triptych competition on Thursday night.  Judge Susie Lipert took a gentle approach, clearly putting herself in the place of the photographer while she gave constructive comments, talked about what did and didn’t work and gave helpful hints on how images could have been improved.  Her comments were broad ranging – very specific to the image and I think her efforts were appreciated by all.

There was a really interesting range of subjects and some people had clearly taken photographs specifically for triptychs.

Eric was very creative…..

Eric Budworth – Life Span

James thought outside the square…..

James Allan – Cogs

Tariq showed off  beautiful details…..

Tasriq Mohammad Abdul – Place of Worship

and Helen still couldn’t resist focusing on furry animals!

Helen Whitford – The Three Faces of Moyo

And in Open, James captured a Variable Sunbird in all its shimmering glory!

James Allan – Variable Sunbird – Open

To see more images from the night visit the Top Prints and Top Projected Images which includes a number of extra Editor’s Choices.

Hopefully this Set Subject may have opened minds to the use of triptychs in other competitions as a triptych is great for storytelling and can be used very creatively.  It may not be the best mode for our next competition, but then again, maybe you will prove me wrong by entering a fantastic landscape triptych!